The Kentucky Wildcats host the Providence Friars in the opening round of the NCAA Tourney. It’s the SEC vs. the Big East. Can Providence find a way to upset the Wildcats, or will Kentucky fry the Friars?
Kentucky vs. Providence Match Details
Fixture: Providence Friars @ Kentucky Wildcats
Date and Time: March 17, 2023, 7:10 p.m. EST
Location: Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina
Kentucky vs. Providence Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | O/U | ML |
| Providence | +4 -110 | O144.5 -105 | +150 |
| Kentucky | -4 -110 | U144.5 -115 | -175 |
Key Stats
Kentucky is 21-11 this year and finished third in the SEC. The Wildcats lost to Vanderbilt 80-73 in the SEC Tournament. Oscar Tshiebwe is the leader on this team, averaging 16.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. As a team, Kentucky is averaging 75.1 points per game. They are shooting 45.9% from the field and 35.4% from behind the arc. This team has struggled this year and has survived by winning the easy games.
Providence is 21-11 on the year and finished fifth in the Big East Conference standings. The Friars lost to UCONN 73-66 in the Big East Tournament. They have five players averaging 10+ points per game this season. Bryce Hopkins is the leader on this team, averaging 16.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. As a team, they average 78.1 points per game. Providence is shooting 45.9% from the field and 35.1% from behind the arc. Outside of their win against Marquette, this team has taken advantage of a weak schedule.
Game Prediction
This Kentucky team is different from what we are used to seeing, as they have failed miserably against quality teams this year. Providence is in the same boat. This is going to be an excellent game to watch. I would not be surprised if Providence pulled the upset, but I have to have faith in Kentucky in this one. The Wildcats have had much success against the Big East in March, and I think they will advance to Round 2.
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